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The Kappa In Japanese Folklore

Kappas are legendary creatures that inhabit the rivers and waterways of Japan. They have beaked noses, shells on their back and a depression on their heads that holds water. Kappa are mischievous troublemakers. Their pranks range from the relatively innocent, such as loudly passing gas or looking up women's kimonos, to the more troublesome such as drowning swimmers and eating children. They feed on their victims by sucking their liver though their anus. They love cucumbers and if you write your name on a cucumber and throw it in the river, the kappa may be appeased by your gift and allow you to swim in peace.

April 17, 2008

Preparing for Your Baby

I found this book at the main branch of our library by doing searches on Japanese words--in this case it was "fuku". which means "clothing". The book came from the stacks, which is why I never saw it when I'd browse the Japanese language books. It's from 1981 and the ISBN is 9784829200803 but it appears to be out of print. The clothing is a bit dated, but there are some basic things, especially in the baby wardrobe, that would be easy to adapt.

The title in Japanese is Akachan O Mukaeru Junbi 3 Sai Made No Fuku Kisekata Tsukurikata which I believe translates to something about Preparing For Your Baby Until 3 Years Old. The book appears to include instructions for diapering, swaddling and includes a pattern for a sling

There are instructions for both sewing and knitting clothing

as well as altering clothing, such as using an adult shirt to make a child's smock

It's really a charming book--I wish it will still in print and I think I will be making good use of our library's online renewal function.